Former Wicomico County Council member to run again

Larry Dodd seeking District 5 seat

Jan. 31, 2014

Larry Dodd / Staff photo by Todd Dudek

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Staff Writer

SALISBURY — A former Wicomico County councilman and current board of education member has filed to run to get back on the county council.

Larry Dodd has filed for District 3 seat, which covers much of southeastern Wicomico and sections of Fruitland. He had previously served as District 5 councilman from 2002-2006. Subsequent voter redistricting now puts him in District 3.

The District 3 seat is currently held by Gail Bartkovich, who does not plan to seek re-election. Dodd is the first person to file for the seat.

He believes his experience on the council and the board of education could help to bridge the sometimes terse relationship between the two governing bodies.

“I want to help build bridges between the board of education and the county council,” Dodd said. “I don’t see that there now.”

The largest chunk of the county’s budget goes to education. While that includes funding for Wor-Wic Community College, the public library and extension services, about $50 million of the county’s $127 million annual budget goes to the public school system.

During fiscal 2014, about $37 million went to operating expenses with the remainder spent on retirement and bond payments.

“Especially with the economy the way it is, everyone is having to cut back and everyone is fighting for the last dollar,” he said.

Dodd grew up on Delmarva. He graduated from Pocomoke High School in 1978 before working at a Ford dealership for a year.

After a one year stretch at Ohio State University, Dodd returned to the area to attend Salisbury University off and on from 1982 though his graduation in 2000.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in biological science and a minor in chemistry, he returned for a Master’s degree in applied health physiology. He graduated from that program in 2004.

In 1988, Dodd received his certification as a paramedic. He started off as a volunteer for Station 2 in Salisbury before being hired in Hurlock. He returned as an employed paramedic and firefighter for Salisbury in 1994. He reached the rank of captain before retiring in March of last year.

Dodd entered politics in 2002 when he was elected to the Wicomico County Council in District 5. In 2009, he was appointed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to the Wicomico County Board of Education.

He was re-appointed in October for a term through 2018.

Dodd believes his experience with the community though work and government could be an asset to if elected to the council.

“I am a fiscally responsible person, so I think with my experience maybe we can help bring the county out of the deficit we’re in,” he said, referring to the $3.5 million shortfall the county needs to correct before June 30.